Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
120Course code
Overview
As a graduate of the Master of Business Administration, you will acquire the skills to lead organisations of all sizes with a forward-thinking approach that goes beyond profit. You will gain a profound understanding of sustainable business practices that genuinely make a difference.
This course will teach you how to run a business profitably while positively impacting society, the economy, and the environment. Alongside traditional MBA core competencies, you will learn to develop effective business strategies, design and implement sustainability initiatives, and master environmental, social, and corporate governance disclosure and reporting.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to engage in an applied professional business project and choose specialist electives that align with your career goals. This comprehensive curriculum ensures you are well-prepared to meet the demands of future-focused businesses.
What will I study?
The Master of Business Administration will provide you with the opportunity to develop serious understanding of sustainable business practice in our rapidly changing world. You will complete units focusing on strategic management, human resource management, accounting, economics, leadership, data analytics, marketing, entrepreneurship, and business research skills. You will gain significant experience on applied business project through a capstone unit.
Career opportunities
The Australian Government anticipates strong industry demand for business graduates across a wide range of sectors. As a graduate of the Master of Business Administration, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a diverse range of domestic and international career opportunities.
This degree prepares you for leadership roles in areas such as management, entrepreneurship, and consulting. In addition, it is ideal for those seeking careers in business operations management, marketing, human resource management, and business analysis.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $38,192.00. This equates to $ $4,774.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study Business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study Business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
What will I study?
You will have the flexibility to take elective units that support your professional future from a range of discipline areas. You may select all specialist electives from a single discipline area or combine units from multiple discipline areas, depending on your interests, future study or career goals.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Students are required to:
- Complete the eight (8) compulsory core units
- Complete the four (4) specialist elective units
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 120 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (8 units) | 80cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. BUS508 Business Analytics |
| Specialist Elective Units (4 units) | 40cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below: Students may focus on one discipline or choose a combination of units from any discipline. Business Stream Accounting and Law Indigenous Engagement and Policy Development Emergency and Disaster Management Public Health and Health Research Information Technology Educational Leadership (new for 2026) |
| 120cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES - 2026
Education Leadership has been added as new specialisation available from 2026.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
OPEN STREAM
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive | CO | HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | CO |
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| MKT504 Marketing for Managers | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
Year 2 | |||
| BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO | ||
| BUS622 Applied Business Project | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
OPEN STREAM
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive | CO | HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | CO |
Year 2 | |||
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO |
| MKT504 Marketing for Managers | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
Year 3 | |||
| BUS622 Applied Business Project | CO | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
BUSINESS STREAM
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | BUS508 Business Analytics | CO |
| FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive | CO | HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | CO |
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | ENT502 Entrepreneurship | SE |
| MKT504Marketing for Managers | CO | HRM506 Global Human Resources | SE |
Year 2 | |||
| BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO | ||
| ACT508 Accounting for Managers | SE | ||
| MAN517 Executive Leadership | SE | ||
| BUS622 Applied Business Project | CO | ||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
OPEN STREAM
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | ||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
| HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | CO | ||
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive | CO | BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO |
| MKT504 Marketing for Managers | CO | BUS622 Applied Business Project | CO |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
OPEN STREAM
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS508 Business Analytics | CO | ||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
Year 2 | |||
| FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive | CO | HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | CO |
| MKT504 Marketing for Managers | CO | MAN500 Strategic Management | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO | BUS622 Applied Business Project | CO |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
Year 4 | |||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
BUSINESS STREAM
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS508Business Analytics | CO | ||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
| HRM504 Organisational Change and Development | CO | ||
| MAN500 Strategic Management | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| FIN504 Finance and Investment for the Executive | CO | BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO |
| MKT504 Marketing for Managers | CO | ENT502 Entrepreneurship | SE |
| ACT508 Accounting for Managers | SE | HRM506 Global Human Resources | SE |
| MAN517 Executive Leadership | SE | BUS622 Applied Business Project | CO |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's degree or equivalent international qualification in any field.
Credit Pathway for Experienced Professionals (Advanced Standing)
Applicants with a qualification in a business-related field and at least four years of full-time experience in managerial or leadership roles may be eligible for up to 40 credit points of unspecified or specified credit, offering a reduced study load and faster course progression.
To apply for advanced standing after receiving an offer, applicants must complete the CDU eForm via theCDU Portal and submit supporting documentation, including a current curriculum vitae (CV) and a statement of service issued by your employer on company letterhead. This statement should outline your roles and responsibilities, key tasks, number of hours worked each week, and the duration of your employment in the role.
International entry pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. All applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.
Sachin
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.
Sachin
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about business at CDU
Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about business at CDU
Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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